Hello Community,
today I will have a look at the bike above. The seller says that the seat tube is 48cm / 19“. ChatGPT says it’s the perfect size for me ( I’m 174cm with 83cm inseam). Can I trust ChatGPT there? Usually I ride a 54cm 80s trekking frame as a beater and also bought a 54cm 90s Steel MTB to convert to a stylish ATB bike.
I’m thankful for every answer!
by Skillipp
2 Comments
I am a little taller than you (1.79cm or so) and I have one 54cm bike and some smaller ones that look like the one in the pic. In my experience the difference is the size of the steering tube. On the bigger bike the seat is a bit closer to the frame and the handlebars are a bit higher due to the steering tube being longer. This makes for a chill seating position for longer riding because you sit a bit more upright. On my smaller frames the seat is farther from the frame and the handlebars are lower, so you sit more in an active riding position. I can ride faster like that (and its more fun IMO, smaller frames feel more agile). On both my smaller frames I did install some slight riser bars though, to find the right positioning. Both handlebars were cheap and fit in the original quill stem so the upgrade cost less than €10.
For example, my most recent Look build is a much smaller frame but with some second hand handlebars and seat positioning it fits me just fine;
https://preview.redd.it/kjc0mz4ghyue1.jpeg?width=2250&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5575376a82c9954722340a99fb4b0d367dfaa344
Should have asked us first cos screw chatgpt dude. But yes, i am the exact same height as you and ride the same size bikes. You could get away with 20” too. I wouldn’t go smaller than 19” personally, feels a bit cramped and harder to get enough height in the front end relative to having the saddle in the correct position if you’re going cruisey vibes. Small might be better if you wanna rip it though. For arguments sake, I had a 22” 90s mtb at one point and i learned why that was a stupid idea as soon as i went down a not so steep not very technical piece of singletrack and there was some ballsack/toptube interfacing. Go small (sub19) for ripping, 19” for all around ATB riding and cruising. 20” for mellow riding and don’t bother with anything bigger if you value your pubic bone. 🤙